May 16, 2025, Sta. Mesa, Manila – The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) is proud to announce that it has been honored with the Communication Foundation for Asia’s (CFA) 5th Lagerwey Award for Communication Excellence on Social Action. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals, groups, and organizations that harness the power of communication to drive meaningful societal change.
The Lagerwey Awards acknowledge outstanding communication initiatives across a broad spectrum of advocacies, including Peace, Transformative Digital Citizenship, Community Empowerment, Character Building, Environmental Stewardship, Social Action, Values Formation, Journalism, Evangelization, Youth Formation, and Empowerment of the Marginalized.
The award was formally received by Evelyn T. Deguit, Executive Director of CCEF; Sheree Marris, Board Member of the Unico Conservation Foundation; and Justine Jace R. Baisac, Communications and Development Officer of CCEF, during the awarding ceremony held in CFA, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
CCEF’s communication efforts, particularly under the Protect Danajon Project, a flagship initiative supported by the Gerry Roxas Foundation through the USAID INSPIRE Project, were singled out for our innovative, inclusive, and community-centered approach. Through the production of a compelling Danajon Bank Audio Visual Presentation (AVP) and the strategic engagement of digital platforms, including partnerships with Bohol youth leaders and local influencers, CCEF successfully elevated public awareness and advocacy for the protection of the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef, one of the country’s most significant marine habitats.
A milestone moment came during the CFA Amplifying Local Voices Learning Exchange: A Collaborative Approach between Media and CSOs. Here, CCEF had the invaluable opportunity to engage directly with broadcasters and media practitioners, presenting the Danajon Bank AVP and articulating the urgent need to protect our marine environment. The impact of the presentation moved media participants, fostering a genuine commitment that sparked collective social action to further promote the conservation message across their media influence. This engagement is the key factor that contributed to CCEF’s nomination and eventual recognition with this award.
This achievement affirms CCEF’s belief: that communication, when driven by purpose, empathy, and collaboration, is a transformative force capable of informing, empowering, and inspiring individuals and communities to act for the well-being of both people and the planet.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA) for this meaningful honor and for recognizing the vital role of communication in social action and environmental advocacy.
As CCEF continues its mission to protect the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef and other vital coastal ecosystems, this award energizes and encourages us to deepen our commitment to innovative storytelling and meaningful partnerships.
Together, we continue to Protect. Conserve. Inspire.
